Leah Penniman is a science teacher who purchased a large portion of land in upstate New York, just east of Albany. Leah and her husband began farming their land in 2010 and have since developed “Soul Fire Farm.” The farm has become an educational tool for African American and Latino youth in an attempt to reinvigorate the relationship between the young people of color and the land they work. The farm yields over 80 different vegetables and 20 fruits to go along with hens and chickens.
An approach that is of equal or greater value than the nutrition and education is the idea that African American and Latino youth tend to think that these farming ways just bring about thoughts of slavery and abuse, whereas Penniman sees the opportunity to use farming to make lives better. The land and farming techniques should be viewed as fruitful and valuable, a source of nourishment, not punishment and forced labor, the simple fact that young people might follow this train of thought is absolutely heartbreaking and increases the importance and value of what Penniman is trying to accomplish. This program provides opportunities for apprenticeships and farming immersion and distributes the vegetables and fruits that the farm yields to low income areas in Troy and Albany and families in need.
This farming immersion program is helpful for so many reasons. The 72 acre property acts as a link between the individuals who have the pleasure of working the land, and the land itself. The farm is an educational tool, it is a program that works towards several of the sustainable development goals that the UN has developed as part of an agenda to make a better planet.
Soul Fire Farm promotes good health and wellbeing under a firm belief that “diversity in produce is as important as accessibility regardless of income.” The farm aids the less fortunate as it distributes a diverse collection of fruits and vegetables to poor families that may not have desirable access to food in general, let alone proper and necessary nutrients. Just within those parameters alone, Soul Fire Farm fights poverty and hunger while providing important, quality educational opportunities. More operations such as this one around the globe would benefit the human race tremendously and help countless individuals achieve food security while not only providing for but teaching how it is done as well. This program puts farming and working the land in its rightful place as a fun and worthy venture, and into the hands of young people who may not have felt previously capable.
Kyle Noviello
Civileats.com,
http://civileats.com/2014/12/02/thisfarmerwantstohelpyouthofcolorreconnectwiththelan
Henry, S. (2014, December 2). Civileats.com.
http://civileats.com/2014/12/02/thisfarmerwantstohelpyouthofcolorreconnectwiththelan
Sustainable Journeys 